"My dad, he's been there all along," said Carrisa. "He's been my coach and my travel companion. He puts me in the right mind frame and tells me the truth, and gets me where I need to be for the contest."

“It’s been an incredible year for me and a huge congrats to Carissa,” said Tyler Wright. “She is an amazing surfer and has pushed me a lot this season. The talent level on tour at the moment is so high, and the platform we’re going to have in 2014 is really exciting. Very much looking forward to next year.”

Carissa Moore claimed the 2013 ASP Women’s World Title on the final day of the final event of the season, the EDP Cascais Girls Pro presented by Billabong. Pointing out the obvious, it doesn't get much closer than that.

Moore secured her second world surfing crown after sole remaining contender, Tyler Wright, was eliminated this morning by compatriot Sally Fitzgibbons in the Quarterfinals of the event, at Portugal’s Guincho Beach.

The young Hawaiian, who was in the water for her own Semifinal heat when the decision came through, was beside herself once she returned to the beach where she was greeted by throngs of friends, family and admirers.

“I can’t really speak right now because I’m so happy,” Moore said. “I woke up this morning listening to music and I started crying because I really felt like today was my day. I’ve been supported so much by my Dad and boyfriend and sister and all my family and friends. This is really special for me because I get to share it with all of them.”

In one of the closest battles for the world surfing crown that the ASP has ever witnessed, the Hawaiian and Australian went blow-for-blow in 2013, collecting five victories of the first seven events between them.

“This title is much sweeter as it was so close with Tyler,” Moore said. “She’s so young, but so strong and fearless when it comes to competition. She can always come back and really pushed me to work my hardest this year. I won some different events this season and it all amounted to a really meaningful year for me.”

“This title is much sweeter as it was so close with Tyler,” Moore said. “She’s so young, but so strong and fearless when it comes to competition. She can always come back and really pushed me to work my hardest this year. I won some different events this season and it all amounted to a really meaningful year for me.” Carissa Moore

Wright was gracious in defeat and will remain a threat for years to come.

“It’s been an incredible year for me and a huge congrats to Carissa,” Wright said. “She is an amazing surfer and has pushed me a lot this season. The talent level on tour at the moment is so high, and the platform we’re going to have in 2014 is really exciting. Very much looking forward to next year.”

After claiming the title, Moore went on to defeat Sally Fitzgibbons in the final of the Cascais Pro, the Champion's fourth event win of the season, and a result which was somewhat overshadowed by the bigger picture.